Disney Research has just published a research paper which discusses multi-user interactive gaming using modified pico projectors. This work is quite exciting and very novel, so be sure to read the full research paper (attached to this article).

Current pico projectors are designed for allowing one person to share content with a few. Disney Research is looking to shift this paradigm - DRAMATICALLY. In this new paper, the authors describe several arrangements that allow for multiple users to use pico projectors to create an interactive gaming experience. They call this project SideBySide. Utilizing off-the-shelf components, Disney Research has created a system which allows for multiple pico projectors to interact with each other. Specifically, the research team modified a PK-102 projector from Optoma to allow for motion tracking. They replaced two of the LEDs with infrared (IR) LEDs and the third with a white LED. In doing so, they created a system that not only projects content, but also recognizes "invisible" signals from adjacent pico projectors.

Disney Research has created several unique gaming experiences to demonstrate what is possible with interactive pico projectors. In each case, two separate pico projectors are able to interact with each other. The controls are simple and intuitive. Whether boxing or firing cannon balls, two players are able to have an interactive experience using two distinct projection units.

Although the prototypes shown are relatively large - and are tethered to a computer - Disney Research states that a more compact system could easily be created, allowing users to have an intractive projection experience from today's mobile devices.

We look forward to seeing more about the SideBySide interactive projection system. This is a fantastic example of why pico projectors are a disruptive innovation. We will certainly be here to report all the laest developments. Our thanks to the Disney Research team for providing this paper to us. This is absolutely fantastic research. The authors are open to questions, so let us know what you'd like to ask them using the comments section below.

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